German Self-Propelled Artillery Guns of the Second World War

The development and use of artillery self-propelled guns during WW2, which reduced the amount of resources required to deploy one artillery gun and could be made ready to fire more quickly, is covered in this book. They were successfully used in the invasion of France in 1940 and on the Eastern Front against Soviet forces from 1941 until the end of the war in 1945.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 144 pages
\n Publication date: 21 March 2019
\n Publisher: Fonthill Media
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The development and utilization of self-propelled artillery guns during World War II is a significant chapter in military history. These innovative weapons revolutionized the way artillery was deployed, reducing the resources required to field a single gun and increasing its mobility.

Prior to the introduction of self-propelled artillery, towing artillery guns required a team of six horses and nine men. This cumbersome process limited the artillery's mobility and made it difficult to deploy quickly.

However, German engineers during World War II came up with the idea of mounting an artillery gun on top of a tank chassis. This innovative design reduced the amount of resources required to deploy one artillery gun, making it more efficient and effective.

Artillery self-propelled guns, also known as SPGs, only needed a four or five-man crew. This reduced the burden on the military and allowed for more rapid deployment. Additionally, the SPGs could be made ready to fire more quickly, giving them a significant advantage over traditional artillery.

One of the most notable examples of the use of self-propelled artillery during World War II was the invasion of France in May 1940. The German army employed a variety of self-propelled artillery guns, including the 15 cm howitzer mounted on top of Panzer II tank chassis. These vehicles were nicknamed "Desert Fox" by General Ewin Rommel, who used them to great effect against the French Army.

The 15 cm howitzer was a powerful weapon that could engage enemy forces at long ranges. It was mounted on top of the Panzer II chassis, which provided it with excellent mobility and protection. The combination of the howitzer and the tank chassis made it a formidable weapon that could keep up with Rommel's Panzers in the desert.

Rommel's forces in Northern France were equipped with a variety of new artillery self-propelled guns. These weapons were used against the Allies when they invaded the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, 6th June 1944. The self-propelled artillery guns played a critical role in the German defense, providing cover for Rommel's forces and inflicting significant damage on the Allied troops.

The use of self-propelled artillery continued to evolve throughout the war. Different types of self-propelled artillery were developed, including the 20 cm howitzer and the 88 mm gun. These weapons were even more powerful and effective than their predecessors, allowing for even greater destruction and disruption on the battlefield.

In conclusion, the development and utilization of self-propelled artillery guns during World War II was a significant milestone in military history. These innovative weapons reduced the resources required to deploy a single gun and increased its mobility. They played a critical role in many of the major battles of the war, including the invasion of France and the Battle of the Bulge. The legacy of self-propelled artillery continues to be felt today, as these weapons are still in use in modern military operations.

\n Weight: 480g\n
Dimension: 174 x 248 x 7 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781781556955\n \n